U.S. jobless claims rise to a still-low 206,000

Weekly claims, which are a proxy for layoffs, have fallen steadily most of the year since topping 900,000 one week in early January.

Oxford Hills to adjust early release from school starting Jan. 5

Oxford County in COVID crisis

Rural hospitals, including Stephens Memorial, are overflowing with critically ill patients; new variant omicron is on the way. With Otisfield Community School reporting 70% of students in quarantine, administrators closed the doors Wednesday for remote learning.

Paris bar marks 100th birthday of bloody mary

The vodka-tomato juice cocktail is believed to have been invented at Harry's in 1921.

U.S. health care spending hit $4 trillion in 2020

The 9.7 percent jump is more than double the usual growth rate.

Rumford-based school district continues masking as COVID cases creep up

Staff vaccination rates in some schools above state average.

Otisfield school closed due to COVID-19 infections, quarantines

Students will return to their classrooms Jan. 4.

Litchfield taps into federal rescue funding for townwide internet coverage contract

In Litchfield, a town with approximately 3,600, there are 239 households without access to reliable high-speed internet, and town officials say the new arrangement will get 'unserved households served quickly.'

U.S. faces a double virus surge as omicron advances, delta rages

Health officials call on Americans to get vaccinated, get their booster shots, wear masks indoors and get tested before traveling and before holiday gatherings.

New York City to fine businesses $1,000 for defying vaccine mandate

The city will also apply escalating penalties thereafter if violations persist.